Vishal Mangalwadi, in his book, The Book That Made Your World writes of a family that let their little girl die because, in the clutches of poverty the child was too much a liability. They already had a girl. A second girl would require a second dowry for marriage and the burden would not stop there. Her family did not see another way out. Vishal goes on to explore the notions of human dignity and rights embraced by the West through the Bible and the Christian faith.

The Word on WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE is: After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper … and the Lord said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” – 1Kings 19:12-13

• Elijah was fresh off a victory over 450 prophets of Baal, a victory that convinced King Ahab that God was the only true God. He had experienced empowerment and validation from God and glorified Him in the process. Yet here he was, hiding in a cave. What was Elijah doing there? He was running for his life because he could not see another way out – he was too busy fearing Jezebel to see how the Lord might be at work in this situation. What are you doing here? Are you fearing God and glorifying Him where He has you? Or are you granting noise in this world, the devil’s schemes power over your present situation?

Prayer guide: Lord, I am here because I have granted the world more influence over me than I would like to admit. Forgive me. I ask You to pull me out of this cave of self-interest and self-protection. Guide me, fill me with Your Spirit in order that I may stand firm in fear of You and glorify You where You have me, particularly as the man, husband and father You expect me to be. Amen.
 

A faithful father stands firm in fear of the Lord and glorifies Him in this world.